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the Mule build & log sleds... pics

Discussion in 'The Wood Pile' started by Stinny, Feb 1, 2020.

  1. Stinny

    Stinny

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    My addiction to tracked machines has led to this. Still in the R&D mode but, as of this monin... I'm encouraged.
    I said I'd do a build thread so, here goes...

    I started with a powered track-barrow.
    upload_2020-2-1_11-21-51.png

    Added a low profile hitch (so loads will pull down vs the tracks and not up, where traction would be lost)... ignore my gum ball welds please... :whistle: That's the gearbox right above the hitch, so I opted to not have the hitch touch it.
    upload_2020-2-1_11-23-2.png

    upload_2020-2-1_11-24-4.png

    Added a front arm to lift logs on the sleds.
    upload_2020-2-1_11-28-47.png

    upload_2020-2-1_11-29-31.png

    The front sled adjustable length hitch (makes it easier to attach to mule with log loaded on sleds)
    upload_2020-2-1_11-32-56.png

    upload_2020-2-1_11-34-2.png

    The rear sled.
    upload_2020-2-1_11-35-34.png
     

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    Stinny, Feb 1, 2020
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  2. Chaz

    Chaz

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    :binoculars::cool:

    :popcorn:
     
    Chaz, Feb 1, 2020
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  3. jo191145

    jo191145

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    You do very nice work.
    Ok gotta ask because there’s some engineering obviously going over my head. The skis narrow on the back half. Is that to help turning? Or maybe to insure the tips stay up?
     
    jo191145, Feb 1, 2020
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  4. Stinny

    Stinny

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    Those sections were removed for a wheel penetration set-up on a trailer I had. Another old project...
     
    Stinny, Feb 1, 2020
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  5. Canadian border VT

    Canadian border VT

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    Interesting.. all I know is tracks go in snow!!
     
    Canadian border VT, Feb 1, 2020
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  6. Stinny

    Stinny

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    Well... this set-up is no where near what our tracked atv was Lyle, as far as traction goes... but, I think it'll do fine for my slow motion winter loggin'... :handshake:
     
    Stinny, Feb 1, 2020
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  7. Backwoods Savage

    Backwoods Savage Moderator

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    Methinks you would not want to go as fast as the atv would go! I can picture you now riding behind the atv hollering, "Slow down!"
     
    Backwoods Savage, Feb 2, 2020
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  8. Well Seasoned

    Well Seasoned Administrator

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    :popcorn:

    :binoculars:
     
    Well Seasoned, Feb 2, 2020
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  9. Stinny

    Stinny

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    Looking at this older thread this monin, I see I forgot to add a pic of the belly "pan". This rig wasn't made for snow, though it does OK in it. Pretty sure one reason is this piece of 1/4" Delrin I added underneath the axles. It has a gloss finish and is super slippery on snow. It's also tougher than boiled owl chit... :dex: There's only about 4" of clearance (not optimal for a snow machine, for sure)... but, so far, when the tracks sink in, the belly pan holds the remaining weight up pretty well, and slides along nicely. Here's that pic...

    upload_2020-2-17_15-13-17.png
     

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    Stinny, Feb 17, 2020
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  10. billb3

    billb3

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    Many years ago I used to make some sleeves bushings and gears of Delrin. It is slippery as snot. There was one we mixed a Molykote dry lubricant in with it to make it even more slippery.
     
    billb3, Feb 17, 2020
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  11. Eric VW

    Eric VW Moderator

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    That’s a tough chit...:rofl: :lol:
     
    Eric VW, Feb 17, 2020
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  12. Stinny

    Stinny

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    Amazing stuff and a real treat to fabricate with... cutting, drilling, etc. I first ran across it in the experimental aircraft world.
     
    Stinny, Feb 17, 2020
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  13. jo191145

    jo191145

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    Nice!! Your next project is more ground clearance so you can stay out all winter LOL
     
    jo191145, Feb 17, 2020
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  14. Stinny

    Stinny

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    Ha... gonna have to deal with it as is I think. The V plow was to offset that lack of clearance, and the track footprint just isn't quite large enough to "float" on deep snow. Pretty sure it will slide logs out OK. Now, to git the old man willin' more often... :whistle:
    Sure is nicer down by the fire... ;)... :fire:
     
    Stinny, Feb 17, 2020
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  15. Canadian border VT

    Canadian border VT

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    Best answer
     
    Canadian border VT, Feb 17, 2020
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  16. jo191145

    jo191145

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    Ahhh,,,,plow and drag. That’ll work. Awesome.
     
    jo191145, Feb 18, 2020
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